Elevating leadership excellence and fundraising innovation with Canuck Place Managing Director, Development — Jennifer Polci

In the realm of leadership, the role of fostering a positive work environment, embracing challenges, and steering an organization towards success can be both rewarding and demanding. Jennifer Polci (she/her), the Managing Director, Development at Canuck Place Children's Hospice, shares her insights about leadership, her experiences at Canuck Place, and her thoughts on the evolving landscape of fundraising.

Jennifer embodies a leadership style cultivated from her interactions with inspiring women leaders early in her career. This foundation has been instrumental in shaping her approach, which is grounded in treating others with respect, honesty, inclusivity, and open communication. She values learning from her team, welcoming their perspectives, and taking calculated risks. Her leadership philosophy centers on recognizing and celebrating the achievements of her colleagues, a practice that fosters a culture of positivity and growth.

"I treat others how I like to be treated, with respect, honesty, inclusivity, and open communication," Jennifer says.

I don’t presume that I know it all, and welcome and I am open to learning from my team, hearing their perspectives and taking risks."

When asked about her outlook for Canuck Place, Jennifer expressed excitement about the endless opportunities and possibilities ahead. She emphasized the strategic growth and intuitive drive of the Development, Events, Donor Services and Communications team. She ?is buoyed by the team's accomplishments in building and nurturing relationships with partners, volunteers, and community members and sees positive things to come

One of Jennifer's poignant experiences at Canuck Place involves a conversation with Dr. Hal Siden during a challenging time. She recalls grappling with doubts about her decision to join Canuck Place as the organization faced a surge in child losses. Dr. Hal's wisdom and empathy encouraged her to shift her perspective—focusing on making a positive impact in the midst of challenges. This conversation instilled in her the privilege and honor of her role, and she continues to share this message with colleagues facing similar struggles.

“Dr. Hal took the time to listen to my fear and challenges, sit with me in my hurt and open me up to a different perspective," shares Jennifer.

"That being, we can’t change the trajectory of what is going to happen, but we can do our best to have a positive impact on the process. With that shift in thinking, I was able to more fully embrace my role on the team at Canuck Place and see it as a privilege to be able to do so.”

Even in a leadership journey marked by positivity, Jennifer acknowledged the need for difficult decisions. She recounted a time when she had to sever ties with a community partner whose values did not align with Canuck Place's mission. Such situations underscore the importance of maintaining organizational integrity and staying true to core values.

In dealing with challenging decisions, Jennifer highlighted the significance of thorough research, insight gathering, and open communication. She stressed the value of explaining the "why" behind decisions rather than opting for quick resolutions. This experience taught her that alignment with an organization's values holds more weight than the best intentions, reinforcing the importance of unwavering commitment to those values.

The sustainability of fundraising efforts at Canuck Place relies on genuine engagement with donors and partners. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of building lasting relationships through sincerity, appreciation, and mutual understanding. By asking partners what matters most to them, Canuck Place creates meaningful connections that stand the test of time.

“The strength of fundraising lays on relationship building and the opportunities have become much greater due to instant connectivity, allowing organizations to receive donations more widely and thank our donor base quicker and more efficiently.”

Reflecting on her career, Jennifer highlighted the profound impact of technology and connectivity on fundraising. The digital landscape has revolutionized relationship-building, allowing for wider reach and quicker responses to donors. The advent of social media has empowered charities to creatively connect with diverse audiences, enhancing their ability to raise funds and share their mission.

Looking ahead, Jennifer envisions a fundraising landscape where AI plays a significant role in identifying prospects and personalizing interactions within non-profits' Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems. Nevertheless, she emphasizes that relationships remain at the heart of fundraising. Focusing on diversifying revenue streams—such as through peer-to-peer initiatives, corporate partnerships, and government funding—provides non-profits the means to expand their reach and impact.

In a world where leadership and fundraising intersect, Jennifer's insights from her leadership journey at Canuck Place serve as a guiding light. Rooted in values, driven by relationships, and embracing the evolution of technology, Jennifer showcases the power of leadership that navigates challenges, fosters growth, and envisions a future of meaningful impact.